In fact, the Blues boss admits he is thinking of little else in the run up to the final two games of the season.

The longest top flight unbeaten run the club has enjoyed for a dozen years has City right in the thick of the contest to grab seventh spot in the table and with it a UEFA Cup berth.

"It would be easy for me to throw cold water on it but why can't we go for it. There are two games left and six points might not be enough but it doesn't stop us going for it," declared Pearce after the third home win in succession under his stewardship.

"If I was a City player now I would be looking forward to the next game. It would be great to think we could go into that final match with Boro with something important resting on it."

Pearce was full of praise for his strikers who he believes created the tone for the side in terms of work rate.

"I have always been a great believer in the two forwards you play setting the tempo for the whole side. If you have people ratting up there it is difficult for the opposition," he said.

"The best defender Liverpool ever had was Ian Rush. He used to chase you and make you hurry your clearances. Robbie (Fowler) and especially Antoine (Sibierski) were sensational for us. The work they put in up there makes it easier for our central defenders and midfielders.

"The result was very pleasing and I would have taken 2-0 before the game. The first 45minutes was probably the best that we have played since I took over.

Disappointing

"Everything was right. We got out there and got about the opposition. We imposed ourselves on Portsmouth. That was pleasing especially as it was in front of our own fans. However, we went off the boil in the second half, which was disappointing.

"We need to keep the ball, run the legs off the opposition and then kill the game more. Credit to the players though and I don't want to pour cold water on this win when I say that.

"The players scrapped away and played some good football. We got our fullbacks forward and were nice and tight defensively, especially in the first half."

Pearce revealed that Fowler's first half free-kick that stretched the lead to 2-0 was the product of a plan hatched on the training ground.

"It is something that we have worked on," he acknowledged.

What didn't come off well was Pearce's jesting with a Portsmouth player attempting to take a throw-in from in front of the dug-out.

"I gave a little word of encouragement to the opposition which wasn't received particularly well. I have apologised for that," smiled the City chief.

"I was basically having a bit of fun but it was taken a touch too seriously, which was my mistake.

"Perhaps it will be advisable for me to talk only to my players in future."